Pros ConsTaking Your Cat to a Vacation with You
Having a pet cat is like having a kid. You care for it, you love it, and you offer it special attention, and in return, it will offer you companionship and affection. But even though cats are more independent than other pets, or kids, you can’t leave them alone for long periods. Therefore, going away for a few days or weeks can become problematic. Thus, you have to decide whether to travel with your cat or not. And to make such a decision, you need to consider a few aspects. So, here are some pros and cons of taking your pet cat on vacation with you.
Pros of taking your cat on vacation with you
You may have fewer worries
One of the most significant issues with leaving your cat behind while on vacation is knowing that you will constantly worry about its care and safety. Even if you have a cat-sitter, you still have things to worry about. For example, if you leave it at a friend’s house, it might not get along with the other pets or family members. Or, if you find a professional cat-sitter, you’ll be stressed that you don’t know that person and nor does your cat. Therefore, a lot can go wrong.
So, taking your pet cat on vacation may make you feel more relaxed. Not to mention that you won’t have to worry about the extent of your trip. You could enjoy a more extended vacation when you’re not worried about who will take care of your cat. However, when you have a well-established relationship with Pro Cat Sitter, leaving your cat home likely provides you peace of mind.
Your cat provides great company
If you’re traveling alone, it’s nice to have a constant companion with you. Cats can offer you great company and are very good at cuddling. They also make great picture partners. So, what more can you ask for? And, apart from the beautiful memories that you’ll create, you will also avoid missing each other.
Be able to find unique destinations
Taking your pet cat on vacation with you involves finding pet-friendly destinations that otherwise you might not have discovered. There are lots of pet-friendly beaches and parks. Plus, you can always enjoy a drink at a pet-friendly café. You will also have the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the miracles of nature.
Meeting new people with cats may be easier
If you’re shy when it comes to making new friends, your cat can help with that as well. Pets will always attract people since they are so cute. Plus, they are excellent conversation starters. And in general, cat lovers make great friends. You will always have something in common with them, so start socializing.
The cons of taking your pet cat on a vacation with you
Now, while there are several pros to having your pet vacation with you, it’s important to consider many cons as well.
Your cat may be more stressed
While having your pet vacation with you means fewer worries for you, it can cause some anxiety in your cat. In general, cats like having a routine and being in a familiar setting. Any change will cause them stress, which can lead to illness. Moreover, if your cat already has some health issues, the stress of traveling can worsen them.
You may have to face higher costs
You should be aware that taking your pet cat on vacation can get pretty expensive. Firstly, you have to take it to the vet to get all the vaccines in order. Then, if you’re planning a trip abroad, you will also need to obtain a pet passport. However, the expensive part comes afterward. You will have to pay extra for the accommodation and the flight. And in some cases, these additional costs might equal the amount you would pay for a second adult.
You likely have to carry more luggage
To make your cat feel more at home and less anxious, you need to bring its things with you. This includes the cat’s sleeping pillow/bed, food, balls, toys, and litter box. Therefore, all of their stuff might take up more space than yours. So, if you’re traveling by plane, this will also cost extra.
Your cat might interfere with your plans
As previously mentioned, the stress of traveling can make cats sick. So, your vacation might get cut short or interrupted if something like this happens and you need to go to the vet. You should also consider the fact that many places don’t allow pets. So, if you want to go to museums or various indoor places, you’ll have to leave your cat at the hotel. And in this case, if you leave it there alone for long periods, you might discover that it got bored in the meantime and destroyed the room.
A piece of advice
If you’re planning a long vacation, it might be a good idea to take your cat. However, if you also want to visit some places that don’t allow pets, you can split your vacation. This way, you can spend part of it with your furry companion and the other part visiting all the sites.
To do this, you should first research and find some quality cat boarding services in the area. This way, you will know that your cat is safe and well-cared for. Plus, you can even visit it.
If you’re planning to spend more than a couple of days in different locations, you should consider renting some storage. This way, you can travel light, and you’ll know that your luggage and your cat’s luggage are safe. But be careful – just because this is a short-term solution doesn’t mean that you should pile things up. Instead, organize a storage unit like a pro and have a clear overview of all of your things. Thus, make sure that you keep it tidy so that you’ll be able to find everything you need quickly.
Conclusion
Vacationing with your cat is not an easy task, but it can represent a great experience. Nevertheless, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of taking your pet cat on a vacation with you before deciding. It’s also a good idea to visit the vet and ask for their opinion. After all, they can give you expert advice based on your cat’s general health and history. So, whatever you do, make sure that you make an informed decision.